What did I need when…
Directions for Discussion: Part I
- Pair up. On the paper provided, draw 2 columns on both sides.
- Share a story with your partner about a time when you were harmed (emotionally, psychologically or physically) by someone.
- When you are finished, your partner asks you what you needed when that happened. Partner writes the needs you identify in one of the columns.
- Turn the paper over. Switch roles. Repeat.
Directions for Discussion: Part II
- Share a story with your partner about a time when you hurt someone – when you caused the harm.
- When you are finished, your partner asks you what you needed when you did that.
- Partner writes the needs you identify in the column next to the one where your needs when hurt were recorded.
- Turn the paper over. Switch roles. Repeat.
- Share observations with your partner of your 2 lists of needs—when hurt and when causing hurt. What do you notice?
- Are the lists different or similar?
Pairs write their lists of needs on designated Flip Chart Poster.
As a group, what do we notice about these lists?
NOTE: The article and video “The Danger of a Single Story” is a nice lead in or follow-up to this exercise. Learning that there is always a story, but we need to discern whether the story we are telling ourselves (and maybe others) is really accurate.